RC Marian Garden Pilgrimage
By Tonya Brownell
Branford, CT – July 12, 2025
Who knew that a little pilgrimage in our own backyards could bring so much grace.
The day began at St. Mary’s Church in Branford where all of our sisters and brothers in Christ were greeted with joy and excitement. Here they were given the route we would follow for the 3 homes we would be visiting. It was truly such a beautiful gathering as 28 pilgrims took some time on a Saturday morning to honor Our Lady in prayer and song.
At the first stop we enjoyed coffee, breakfast and fellowship. We gathered in the first beautiful Marian Garden which also happened to have the stations of the cross in the yard. The day was spectacular and the conversations were easy. The air was filled with quiet peace and grace. Mary and the Holy Spirit were there among us as we then prayed the first Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
We then proceeded back to our cars in reverence and travelled to the 2nd home where an equally beautiful Marian Garden and statue of Mary greeted us. Here we prayed the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
The last stop was at the home of RC members Sallie & Matt Roth. Sallie’s green thumb is extraordinary. Not only did she help organize and spruce up the gardens for the event but can provide plants for anyone who is in need. All of the gardens provided such a worthy place forOur Holy Mother with all the love and beauty she deserves. We then prayed the last decade of the Joyful Mysteries at Sallie’s Marian Garden. The day concluded with lunch provided by the RC Women.
As people enjoyed the beautiful luncheon spread, information was provided to the group about Regnum Christi and the upcoming events and retreats. A day like this is short but certainly fuels our faith and connections with Jesus, Mary and each other. We know that the women look forward to these mini faith-filled experiences. A thank you to the parish women of St. John Bosco who welcomed us into their gardens and to the Legion of Mary for attending in unity, prayer and love for Our Heavenly Mother. We are all the various sparkling facets of the diamond which is the Catholic Church.
You could feel in your heart that Mary was so honored by this day and we hope everyone came away with a better relationship with her. We look forward to next year’s Marian Garden Pilgrimage.
